Kala Rau

by Micha F. Lindemans

In Balinese mythology, Kala Rau is the bodiless head of a demon. He chases the moon-goddess Ratih, occasionally catching her, causing a lunar eclipse. It is his revenge on Ratih for telling Wisnu about his attempt of stealing Tirtha Amertha, the elixir of immortality. This elixir is meant only for the gods and when Wisnu learned that the demon tried to drink it he threw his magic discus, cutting off Kala Rau's head. But, the elixir had already reached his throat so his head was immortal. Enraged at Ratih, he began chasing her across the heavens.